<p>Im in the middle of applying to the USNA, and have recieved my nomination, have the grades, and have no doubt ill do well on the CFA. The only thing that worries me is that I have a visible tattoo on my left forearm. Is this going to cause me to fail my DODMERB eval?</p>
<p>I remember reading that if your tatto is visible in a short sleave shirt - you’re SOL.</p>
<p>An officer on staff of S1’s NROTC unit had full sleeve tattoes on both arms. He was enlisted when he got them and later got his degree and became an officer. He’s been in the Navy for 16 years.</p>
<p>USNA overtly proclaims 'toos as “no, no’s.” Yes, there are exceptions, and you cannot assume yours may be one of them. USNA asks that question specifically in soliciting screening information of candidates. </p>
<p>All bets are off once commissioned, but they’re definitely not a plus in seeking to transpire from candidate to appointee. Especially if you’ve not the excuse of fleet drunkeness. </p>
<p>What is the “content” of your visible silliness? If it’s “Go Army”, kiss your sea days goodbye.</p>
<p>whistlepig,
I have a 3 inch by 2 inch cross on my left forearm with the word “strength” through vertical through the center. I also have a two inch by one inch tattoo on my right wrist of my late grandfathers initials</p>
<p>The midshipman that my daughter is currently dating is tattooed, which obviously did not hinder his acceptance. He was told, however, that he was not permitted to have any more tattoos put on while he was at the academy.</p>
<p>I love these sites. One can ask a question and get any answer they desire, all based on anecdotal examples.</p>
<p>The online catalog is not available so I will give a very brief summary. Tattoos are discouraged and any that may be visible in any uniform including PT gear are prohibited. The Naval Academy, for newly commissioned officers, views ALL tattoos as prejudicial to good order and discipline.</p>
<p>What will happen in this case is that DoDMERB will note and describe his tattoos to Admissions and they will perform an independent review. The decision can be anything from denial of admissions to mandatory correction before admission to pursuing aggressive correction at their own expense after reporting. In this particular case, it will most definitely not be denial of admission. Also, in reality, some of those who agree to remove them after admission are never asked to follow up.</p>
<p>The big warning here is not to get one after DoDMERB and prior to reporting. They would be viewed as particularly contrary to good order and discipline and would be much more likely to have more grave consequences.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Including yours.</p>
<p>Amen Luigi. Talk of blowing smoke. :eek:</p>
<p>I was informed this morning by my regional team that “any body alteration that is visible in uniform clothing is prohibited.” While this did help, I have no idea of what exactly “uniform clothing” entails.</p>
<p>Here’s what the letter of the USNA “law” specifies re: this issue:
</p>
<p>exactly. so im guessing that if i recieve a nomination its geting lasered off before Iday…</p>
<p>appointment*</p>
<p>This is for USMA, not USNA; not the rule, nor necessarily accurate:
Article re football players at Army having tattoos visible on admission OK (waived?) but not allowed to be added.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/sports/ncaafootball/03tattoo.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/sports/ncaafootball/03tattoo.html</a></p>
<p>I guess it must be on a case by case basis, because my daughter’s boyfriends tattoos are certainly visible in a swim suit! No one ever suggested that he need have them removed.</p>
<p>I have been informed by a USNA official that the excerpt whistlepig posted is still current policies. I have tattoos on my chest and stomach, however the only ones that require any action to be taken are those visible in a short sleeved shirt</p>
<p>In my short time here I’ve seen a few upperclass with tattoo’s (one has some huge ones on his arms). Just keep your application going and hope for the best, it’s really all you can do.</p>
<p>Whistle Pig’s ‘law’ is slightly outdated. The following portion no longer is true:
</p>
<p>The instruction now reads ‘will not be visible in Summer White uniform’.</p>
<p>Any body alteration anywhere on the body will probably be reported by DoDMERB. Regardless, all appointees, as a part of their reporting package, will sign a witnessed body alteration disclosure form. Any body alteration anywhere on the body will be accompanied by a full description and photographs. A part of the disclosure form is the statement that the candidate will not receive any further body alterations while at USNA. Also, for those who have body alterations, they will agree to, if directed by the Body Alteration Review Board (BARB), have those deemed not acceptable removed at their own expense either prior to I-Day or by the beginning of their 2nd class year and commenced no later than January of their plebe year, as directed.</p>
<p>All body alteration disclosure forms with disclosed body alterations will go before the BARB. The BARB, consisting of six members, have several options. They can deem no action required, they can reject the candidate from admission, they can require removal before I-Day, or they can require that the midshipman will have the subject alterations removed at his own expense prior to commencement of second class year. Those with this last option will continue to go before the board on a routine basis until they have reached full compliance. In this case, occasionally waivers are granted for the completion date but usually no later than selection day.</p>
<p>Any speculation to guess the findings of the BARB based on anecdotal examples such as the above is fraught with misguidance. With that said, I will offer my opinion based on very little fact. If it is visible on the arms and hands and can be removed by I-day, one will probably be asked to remove it. If it is slightly larger but not offensive, one may be given a waiver until second class year. Anything on the arms that cannot be removed or anything on the hands, face, neck, scalp, etc. that cannot be completely removed prior to I-Day might more likely be grounds for rejection. Also, after digesting the above, how can a candidate with tattoos tell a BGO that he has wanted to attend the Naval Academy his entire life. Bottom line, if you don’t have them and have the slightest inclination of attending USNA, don’t even think about them.</p>
<p>Additionally, each fall during Reform, the Company Officer will assemble the company in PT gear and perform a body alteration inspection. Anyone found not in compliance will go before the BARB and will also be subject to a conduct offense for disobeying the above order to which they agreed prior to induction.</p>
<p>mombee …that’s good to know. Thanks for sharing. fyi, and I’m not doubting it may be as you’ve noted, mine was cut and paste from the online catalog on the USNA Admissions site. Go figure. Semper gumby, again …still…etc.</p>
<p>Where are you accessing the online catalog? The Admissions website has stated for quite a while that the catalog is unavailable due to revision. Quite an inconvenience. Help me. My latest post was paraphrased from my hard copy of the latest ‘tattoo’ instruction signed by Adm Fowler last June, which I am sure will be incorporated in the new catalog when and if it is ever revised.</p>